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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of a transformative Java-based platform from scratch.
- Company: Fast-growing Edinburgh startup focused on in-house technology development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and flexible hybrid working.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a SaaS product and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in Java, API integrations, and technical leadership.
- Other info: Join a supportive team culture with significant growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 120000 £ per year.
Head of Engineering required to join a privately backed, fast-growing Edinburgh-based startup to lead the build of a greenfield technology platform that will transform how the organisation operates and ultimately evolve into a commercial SaaS product.
The Opportunity
This is a rare chance to take ownership of a full end-to-end technology build, starting from a largely manual, fragmented operational environment and shaping it into a fully integrated, API-driven platform. You will be the most senior technical hire in the organisation, responsible for defining the architecture, leading hands-on development, and setting the long-term engineering direction. The initial focus is on building a central platform that connects multiple internal and external systems, automates key workflows, and creates a single source of truth across the business. As the platform matures, there is a clear ambition to take this technology to market externally, forming the foundation of a new SaaS product and software business.
The Company
A privately funded, entrepreneurial business with a strong track record across multiple industries. The organisation is now making a deliberate shift to bring technology in-house, moving away from outsourced development to build a long-term internal engineering capability. Technology is viewed as a key strategic priority, with significant investment being made to modernise systems, improve efficiency, and unlock future growth through software. Although still a relatively small business, the company has recently achieved record revenue performance and is now entering an ambitious phase of growth and expansion. The leadership team is focused on building a workplace where people are genuinely valued, supported, and given the space to do their best work. There is a strong emphasis on trust and you will be encouraged to take ownership, contribute ideas, and have a real say in how the business and its technology evolve. As the business scales, they are looking to attract individuals who are excited by that journey - people who want to help shape the culture, contribute to rapid growth, and be part of building something significant from an early stage.
What you will be doing
You will take ownership of the design and development of a Java-based platform that will sit at the centre of the business. This will involve architecting scalable systems capable of integrating multiple APIs and data sources, building robust backend services and user-facing interfaces, and ensuring the platform can evolve as the business grows. A key part of the role will be replacing manual, spreadsheet-driven processes with automated, reliable systems that improve efficiency and consistency across the organisation. You will also be responsible for establishing engineering standards, implementing CI/CD pipelines, and setting up the cloud and infrastructure foundations needed to support scale. As the business transitions away from external development partners, you will play a central role in bringing capability in-house and shaping how the engineering function is built over time.
Who you are
You are an experienced technical lead ready to step into a Head of Engineering role or already operating at that level and still able to contribute technically to the build. You will have strong experience working with Java, ideally Spring Boot, alongside modern front-end frameworks, and you will be confident designing and delivering systems that rely heavily on APIs, integrations, and data flows. You will have previously worked in environments where you have helped shape architecture, particularly in early-stage or evolving technical landscapes. Beyond your technical capability, you will bring a strong sense of ownership and commercial awareness. You are comfortable operating with ambiguity, enjoy building structure where none exists, and are motivated by the opportunity to create something meaningful from the ground up.
Why this role?
- A true greenfield opportunity to design and build a platform from scratch
- Head of Engineering role with full ownership, autonomy, and the ability to shape and define the technical direction
- Chance to turn internal systems into a future SaaS product and software business
- Significant influence over architecture, tooling, and long-term technical direction
- Opportunity to build and lead a high-performing engineering team over time
- Equity aligned to the success and commercialisation of the platform
The Offer
The salary on offer is £90,000 - £120,000 plus benefits. The role is based in a central Edinburgh office, with a strong preference for in-person collaboration as the team is built, alongside some flexibility for hybrid working. This is a rare opportunity to build a platform from scratch, directly improve core business operations, and play a key role in developing a product that could be taken to market in the future.
Locations
Head of Engineering in Edinburgh, Scotland employer: Cathcart Technology
Contact Detail:
Cathcart Technology Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering in Edinburgh, Scotland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech industry, especially those who might know someone at the startup. A personal introduction can make all the difference in getting your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience with Java and API-driven systems. When you get the chance to chat with them, let your work speak for itself.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your vision! This role is all about shaping the future of their technology. Think about how you would approach building a greenfield platform and be prepared to share your ideas during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly, so don’t hesitate. It shows you're genuinely interested in being part of this exciting journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering in Edinburgh, Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Technology: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for technology and how it can transform businesses. Share specific examples of projects you've led or contributed to that showcase your technical skills and vision.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with Java and API-driven systems. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission to build a robust platform, so don’t hold back on the details!
Demonstrate Leadership Skills: As the Head of Engineering, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to convey your leadership style in your application. Share instances where you've taken ownership, shaped a team's direction, or navigated challenges in a tech environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape our engineering future!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cathcart Technology
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Java and Spring Boot, as these are crucial for the role. Brush up on your knowledge of API integrations and scalable system architecture, as you'll need to demonstrate your technical expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led engineering teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in shaping architecture and building internal capabilities, as this will resonate with the company's focus on bringing technology in-house.
✨Emphasise Ownership and Initiative
This role is all about taking ownership, so be ready to discuss times when you've taken the lead on projects or initiatives. Share how you’ve built structure in ambiguous situations and contributed to a team’s success.
✨Align with Company Values
Research the company culture and values, especially their emphasis on trust and collaboration. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a positive workplace environment and help shape the culture as the business grows.